"Op Sindoor on field": PM Modi lauds team India for winning Asia Cup

India's thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final has transcended a mere sporting achievement, instantly morphing into a moment of powerful political symbolism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge, congratulating the Indian cricketers by drawing a sharp parallel between the victory on the field and a recent military campaign. He termed the win "Operation Sindoor on the games field," cementing the result as a moment of assertive national pride.

The Prime Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his congratulations, posting, "#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same - India wins! Congrats to our cricketers." This specific reference immediately connected the cricketing glory in Dubai to the broader, more aggressive image of a "new India" that his administration often projects.

The "Operation Sindoor" that the Prime Minister referred to was a joint military campaign carried out by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force on May 7, 2025. Launched in the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the operation was a punitive strike targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deep inside Pakistan. By invoking this, Modi linked the final’s competitive spirit to the clarity of purpose demonstrated by the armed forces.

The Prime Minister's remark set the tone for celebratory political commentary across his party. Union Home Minister Amit Shah added his own powerful message, tweeting that the "fierce energy of our boys blew up the rivals again," and stating that "Bharat is destined to win no matter which field." External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also praised the win as proof that "New India delivers."

The final itself was a nail-biting affair, showcasing India’s resilience. The team secured their ninth Asia Cup title thanks to a calm and composed innings of 69 not out from Tilak Varma, which anchored the chase. Crucially, a game-changing spell by spinner Kuldeep Yadav had earlier dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup, causing a collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out. India chased the target with two balls to spare, holding their nerve in the high-pressure situation.

Ultimately, the cricket match was steeped in political tension from beginning to end. Beyond the government’s celebratory military references, the game also featured on-field hostility, including on-field gestures between Jasprit Bumrah and Haris Rauf, and the significant off-field controversy where the Indian team collectively refused to accept the winner's trophy from ACC and PCB president Mohsin Naqvi, further cementing the final as one of the most politically charged contests in cricket history.